Loss of Suction Dyson - DC04

If your Dyson DC04 vacuum cleaner is suffering from a loss of suction, there are a few possible causes of the problem. It's important to be able to identify the issue so you can get your vacuum cleaner up and running again, which is why we're here to run you through fixing and diagnosing loss of suction in a Dyson DC04 vacuum cleaner.

Let's take a look! To learn how to diagnose Dyson DC04 vacuum cleaner suction problems, either watch our video or read the guide below.

Remember, always make sure you switch off and unplug your vacuum cleaner before carrying out any work.

The first thing you'll need to do is check the filters. There are two filters in a Dyson DC04, the first being the pre-motor filter which can be found at the top of the removable bin and motor unit. This filter can be separated and should be cleaned regularly or whenever it gets dirty, as a dirty or clogged filter can lead to performance and suction issues. You can clean the filter by simply running it under a cold tap until the water runs clear, then refitting it once it is fully dry. If the filter is especially dirty, however, you can simply replace it.

The second filter is the post-motor filter, which can be found just above the vacuum cleaner's floor tool. This filter cannot be washed, so it will need to be replaced with a new post-motor filter whenever it gets clogged or dirty. You can learn how to quickly and easily replace your Dyson DC04 filters with our filter replacement guide.

If you've checked and cleaned or replaced your filters but still aren't getting any or enough suction, the next thing to check is the ducting down the side of the vacuum cleaner, as pictured below.

To do this, first remove the pipe assembly at the bottom of the ducting, check it for any blockages and remove any you might find.

Then do what you can to get inside and clean the ducts, checking for any blockages and removing them if you are able. Using a small tool or item such as a pair of tweezers might help you reach further inside if necessary.

You can also lay the vacuum cleaner on its front to access the u-bend at the bottom. Remove the u-bend, then check both the inside of the u-bend and the two openings to which the u-bend connects. Again, if you find any blockages, go ahead and remove them.

If checking for blockages doesn't solve the issue, you'll need to check the hoses and the ducting seals. If these have split, it will allow air to escape and result in a lack of suction, so make sure you give these parts a thorough inspection. If you find any rips or tears, you'll need to replace the ripped hose and/or seals. Fortunately, we have a guide on replacing the hose to help.

Finally, if you've carried out all of the above checks and your vacuum cleaner is still suffering from loss of suction, you'll need to check the brush belt. This is the belt that can be found just behind the floor tool and wraps around the brushbar, causing it to spin. If the belt has become old and worn and isn't taut enough to spin the brushbar, you'll need to replace the brush belt to get your brushbar spinning properly again. You can follow our belt replacement guide here if you're unfamiliar with this process.

If you've checked all of the above issues and your vacuum still has weak suction, the problem will be a faulty motor. In this case, you'll need to go ahead and replace the motor itself to restore your vacuum to working order.

And there you have it! How to fix a loss of suction in a Dyson DC04 vacuum cleaner. Hopefully, your appliance is now working properly and picking up once more.

While you're here, don't forget to sign up to our mailing list below for more appliance maintenance advice, repair guides and all other things eSpares.